How Sidney started their web page design (coded) journey

Summary

Thanks for all your EXCELLENT entries, the winner will be decided within seven days. / / / / / / /
I need a website redesign for an 'old' website which is now potentially on the brink of big things. Coding must be standards compliant, and must work in (at least) Firefox and IE5 to IE7. Accessibility should also be considered in the design, conforming to a good standard (WAI-A or above (http://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG1-Conformance))

Company name

[private]

What inspires you and how do you envision the design for your business?

Desired Style:
There are no fixed colours or requirements except that the design should be able to stand the test of time and potentially not look outdated for at least a few years. Whilst the current site, does have a 'brand image' of sorts, we can move away from this

I need a website redesign for an 'old' website which is now potentially on the brink of big things.

>>>>UPDATED 23/05/07>>>> When I say 'website redesign' I do not mean redesigning every page and page variation within the site; I mean that YOU WILL BE RECEIVING THE FULL $400 FOR THE REDESIGN OF ONLY ONE MAIN PAGE LAYOUT. We will then apply this page layout to the site and if modifications are needed for some pages (which is highly likely), and if we agree that you 'want to'/will do the modifications, then you will be paid MORE MONEY (which we will agree upon at that time).<<<<end of update, please see one more update below>>>>

Coding must be standards compliant, and must work in (at least) Firefox and IE5 to IE7. Accessibility should also be considered in the design, conforming to a good standard (WAI-A or above (http://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG1-Conformance))

This website is currently having a major back-end/development overhaul to offer clients a new service, and needs a front-end design to match.

This is a private contest and hence the name of this client, and their domain name, must not be posted on SitePoint or elsewhere please. I do not want Google to be spidering this name. You can find the domain name of the client here . . . http://www.designsalon.co.uk/here.html
. . . and paste it into your browser to have a look at their existing website.

They attract visitors from all over the world, with the majority being 35 years old+, and many repeat visitors.

>>>>UPDATED 23/05/07>>>> Please focus on promoting two main parts of the site/business . . . The first main part (and the most important) is the online search facility (this is currently being given a major overhaul, but will in essence remain the same sort of (name-search) service). The second main part to promote is the online shop, (but this very much 'takes a backseat' compared to the online search facility which is most important). When it comes to the final design, we are going to concentrate on selling the BENEFITS of the online search service, rather than the functionality, and hence if you can highlight these in your design ideas then it could put you above your competitors. 'Benefits' may include for example . . . 'Save hours of physically searching through records', 'Quickly and easily search for your ancestors online now' etc. etc. (you will find other 'benefits' by looking at the existing site).<<<<end of update>>>>

The winner of this contest will ideally be able to offer further services (on a freelance basis) to me on this project immediately after this contest to see through the launch of the redesigned site. Work on other projects may also be available to the right person on an ongoing indefinate basis; freelance at first, but more options may also be available. If the winner proves him/herself exceptional in design skills, coding, and even other ideas for this site, and is looking for a longer term business relationship, then there are many opportunites available for future income. Hence, if you have an online portfolio, then it would be good to include details of this in your entry so that I can see your other work.

If you would like any more info or have any questions please send me a Private Message and I will be glad to help.

I have only listed Paypal as a payment option, but I will use other methods if you need me to and we can discuss payment of any fees, but I will most probably be happy to split any fees 50/50 with you.